Energy Efficiency

A Multi-Faceted Approach to a Multi-Faceted Subject

The term energy efficiency applies broadly to - and presents significant business opportunities for - a host of industries and products.  As such, clients turn to Van Ness Feldman for strategic and tactical advice on the range of options to save money, reduce regulatory risk or develop new markets based on energy efficiency.

Also, energy efficiency is an integral part of most proposed policies to respond to global climate change, and Van Ness Feldman can help position clients to reap all the benefits associated with increased energy efficiency (such as potential greenhouse gas offset credits).

We help our clients by:

• interpreting existing energy efficiency regulations
• changing regulations to fit unique circumstances
• developing legislative policy elements to promote efficiency
• developing and interpreting performance-based standards
• promoting the usage or production of energy efficient products and services to regulators, potential customers, investors and other stakeholders

Among the clients for whom we provide these services are:

• energy services companies
• air conditioning manufacturers
• lighting manufacturers (including manufacturers of light-emitting diodes (LEDs))
• building product manufacturers
• personal computer manufacturers
• management software manufacturers
• home builders
• meter manufacturers
• electric utilities
• automakers
• consultants to the Department of Energy

Representative Projects

• U.S. Green Building Council.  We have assisted the U.S. Green Building Council (responsible for promulgation of the LEED for buildings) to manage their explosive growth, build their chapter network and advocacy capabilities, become a technical resource for government agencies, and achieve recognition from standards-setting bodies in a host of areas.
• EnergyStar Certification for Windows.  On behalf of a building products company, we obtained EnergyStar certification for their product, thus providing improved market access for their product.
• Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards (CAFE).Since the program's inception in 1975, we have been heavily involved in the development and subsequent interpretation and proposed amendments to,adaptation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard.  Our current work involves analysis of issues such as whether the program should evolve from an engine efficiency basis to a tailpipe emission basis, and how to incorporate potential biofuel mandates or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
• Energy Saving Performance Contracting – Working on behalf of the Alliance to Save Energy and a coalition of dozens of prominent energy service providers, the firm assisted in working with Congress and with the Bush Administration at the White House, Department of Energy and the Office of Management and Budget to devise a successful strategy to restore energy saving performance contracting.  This 10-year reauthorization should put the federal government back on track to meet the President’s energy performance goals, save energy, and save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars annually. 
• Renewable Electricity Incentives – Representing the geothermal energy industry, the firm led a multi-renewable industry effort to extend and expand the scope of the renewable energy production tax credit as part of the National Energy Policy Act of 2005. 
• PC Power Management. For a startup information technology company looking to enhance its market presence and penetrate the government market, we have developed a federal legislative and educational strategy.
• Advanced Metering Technologies.  Meters that more accurately measure and report energy usage have been shown to reduce consumption and help users adopt more efficient usage patterns.  We advise several companies and utilities that are developing and adopting these products. 
• Smart Grid Technologies and Demand Management.  We work with technology providers and electric utilities on implementation of more efficient power distribution networks.  We also help utilities with load management issues, including engaging large consumers of power in discussions on usage patterns.